June 24, 2020: President's statement on visa suspensions proclamation

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On Monday, June 22, the White House issued the “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak.” This proclamation does nothing to make Americans safer in this global pandemic, but does harm the nation’s economic competitiveness by at least temporarily barring the entry of scientists and other skilled and motivated people from around the world into the United States.

Immigrants bring needed skillsets and knowledge to America, create jobs and strengthen universities and other employers. These work visas attract talented international students to study in the United States. Michigan State is only stronger with the inclusion of our international Spartans, and immigration restrictions such as this damage our ability to recruit and retain the world’s best and brightest faculty, staff and students.

The global pandemic’s effects will not be blunted by such moves to restrict travel and immigration, but the world will take it as another sign that America does not welcome those who wish to come here to study and contribute to our communities and the nation’s economy.

Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.
President